Rebuild Jeweler's Legacy After Robbery
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Rafi Topalian owner of Top Custom Jewelers—also known as Rafi The Singing Jeweler—has sadly become a victim of a significant robbery that has cost him his life savings, including treasured family heirlooms.
Given the nature of this crime, and the inability to recover his losses through insurance, it will not be possible to get relief unless the criminals are caught.
Rafi, a respected Deacon and choir director at St. Peter Armenian Church for over 25 years, has a rich history of giving back to the community. He has participated in numerous civic events throughout the greater Capital Region, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, as well as events honoring Blue Star and Gold Star mothers.
Together with his wife Marianne and daughter Sarah, Rafi has been actively involved in charitable organizations, helping to organize and participate in various events over the years. Despite this challenging ordeal, Rafi remains resolute in his faith. “I refuse to succumb to anger and hatred towards those who have hurt us. Our faith in Jesus and God will guide us through this life-altering experience,” he stated. Rafi has expressed a commitment to donate any recovered funds to charitable causes.
Given all that Rafi has done for the community, his friends, neighbors, and customers are coming together to support the Topalian family and help them regain their footing. Three fundraising events have been planned to aid in their recovery efforts:
**1. Benefit Breakfast**
Date: Sunday, November 10
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Watervliet Elks, 501 4th Ave, Watervliet, NY
**2. Community Event**
Date: Sunday, November 24
Time: 12:00 PM onwards
Location: St. Peter Armenian Church with the Knights/Daughters of Vartan, 100 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY
The event schedule includes Steven Van Zandt performing two comedy sets at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Rafi expresses deep gratitude for the support he and his family have received from the community over the past 30 years and looks forward to continuing to offer their jewelry services, including custom designs and repairs. “We are humbled by the kindness of those around us and are eager to move forward with the community's support,” he said.
If you prefer to send a check, please make mail to:
11 Huntersfield Rd, Delmar, NY 12054
Checks payable to Rafi Topalian, Memo: Burglary Theft Recovery
View Fundraiser Flyer
Additional Information of robbery:
The fundraiser totals include donations from GoFundMe and contributions from third parties.
Organizer
Rafi Topalian
Organizer
Watervliet, NY